Whether you’re just starting your plumbing career as an apprentice or you’re already a licensed master plumber, there are various plumbing certifications that go beyond the general education you’ve received. These certifications allow you to specialize in niche areas of the trade, meet evolving customer demands, and remain competitive in the ever-changing marketplace.

Cladosporium, penicillium, stachybotrys chartarum — no matter what you call it, household mold is a serious problem. In U.S. residential buildings alone, the population-weighted average prevalence of mold is a shocking 47%. For contractors who want to ensure their customers’ safety and comfort, understanding HVAC mold identification, remediation, and prevention is absolutely critical. 

September signals the start of fall, bringing cooler temperatures — and the first signs of seasonal changes — nationwide. While many enjoy the crisp air and fall activities, HVAC and plumbing professionals are busy gearing up for the flurry of winterization calls on the horizon. But beyond preparing for the colder months ahead, what else is new in the trades? 

If you’ve been working in the HVAC industry for a while, you’ve probably heard that the cost to acquire a new residential customer is between $200 to $300. Where did that new customer acquisition cost come from? Contractors need to work with real numbers to plan for their business, not just something your buddy’s dad’s cousin mentioned to your sister’s husband.

As we progress through 2024 and look ahead to 2025, it’s vital for plumbing professionals to remain aware of the latest plumbing regulations. Even though 2024 is well underway, important updates to the plumbing rules that took effect earlier this year might still be flying under the radar for some. These changes could have significant implications for plumbing operations, and staying ahead of them is the key to maintaining compliance and maximizing the success of your business.

In the home service industry, quick responses and efficient service are essential. When customers face urgent issues like broken air conditioners or plumbing problems, they need immediate attention. As a business owner, deciding whether to rely solely on human customer service representatives (CSRs) or integrate AI is crucial. If you're not at least evaluating advanced technology capabilities today, you're already falling behind.

September has arrived, and with it, the instant buzz of back-to-school preparations, end-of-season projects, and last-minute family vacations. But while the rest of the world slows down for one final summer breather, the plumbing and HVAC industry has anything but cooled off. August may have been a time for winding down, but for plumbing and HVAC professionals, now’s the time to gear up.

YouTube has become an incredible resource for HVAC and plumbing contractors, offering a wealth of content that ranges from in-depth instructional videos and tool reviews to trending industry insights. Whether you’re a seasoned professional looking to stay updated on the latest innovations or a newcomer eager to learn the basics, we guarantee there’s a plumbing or HVAC YouTube channel that can meet your needs. 

In this episode of Trade Talk, Jimmy Hiller, the founder of Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical, shared some real-world advice on how he turned a small Nashville shop into a thriving business spread across several states. Jimmy’s story is straightforward: good things will happen if you focus on customer service and take care of your team. He talked about the bumps in the road he’s faced and how he’s stayed ahead in a changing industry. He also offered some practical tips for other contractors aiming to grow their own businesses.

As more customers seek new and innovative solutions to enhance the comfortability — and sustainability — of their homes and businesses, HVAC companies are witnessing a profound demand for heat pump technology. Heat pumps are a unique HVAC solution that use electricity to transfer heat between indoor and outdoor spaces, offering cost-effective and efficient heating and cooling.